Twilight and its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.
As always, love and thanks to arfalcon, she's always there for me.
~August~
Pink.
Lips, pressing against my own.
Soft and delicate, like a rose petal. Warm breath washes over my face and I pull her into my arms, days of tension melting away at her touch.
I lead her to our secret spot and we sit on the bench.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too, Isabella. So much."
I tangle my hands in her hair and bury my nose in her neck. Inhale her potent mix of blood and skin.
Lowering my head to her chest, I listen to the rush of blood in her heart as it passes from chamber to chamber.
Holding still, I familiarize myself with every murmur, every gurgle.
I'm proud of my increasing self-control, but I also know my limits.
Lifting my head, I kiss her before lying down and resting my head in her lap. She weaves her fingers in and out of my hair; it both calms and thrills me.
"Tell me what you've been doing since I saw you last. Did Mrs. Cope's holiday temper her disposition? Or is she just as crotchety as ever?"
Isabella laughs and rolls her eyes. "No amount of leisure time could improve her personality. Fortunately, she's pre-occupied with organizing her women's club charity ball, so she hasn't been paying me too much attention. I'm spending most of my time with the children. They'll be going back to school shortly, so I need to start preparing them for their lessons."
"Mmm… lucky children. I envy them."
"Somehow I imagine you'd be bored with doing sums and memorizing names of ancient explorers."
"Perhaps you'd be willing to make amends for such an advanced pupil as myself?"
"Why, Mr. Cullen, whatever do you mean?"
"Private lessons," I say, turning my face to her body and kissing her through layers of fabric. I wonder if her bare stomach is as soft as her lips…
"And just who would be the tutor and who would be the pupil?" she asks, breathless as I continue to kiss up her torso.
"It would be a mutual learning experience. You'll find me a most eager pupil." I reach her mouth and speak against those petal-pink lips. "And a very passionate teacher."
I should be ashamed of the liberties I'm taking, but judging from the look on her face, she doesn't mind.
"Edward…some of the things you say…you make me feel—"
In one swift move, I sit up and pull her so she's perched on my lap.
"How? How do I make you feel?" I drag my hands up her sides.
She angles her body toward mine. We're nose-to-nose.
"Alive."
I kiss her.
"Free."
I brush my fingers across her breasts and she draws in a breath.
"Wanted."
"I do want you, Isabella. In more ways than you can imagine."
"You see? When you say things like that," she says, her fingers trailing down my arms, grasping my hands and pressing them against her chest. Encouraging me to touch. "When you look at me the way you are right now, how can I deny you?"
My little lamb, you know not what you ask.
Isabella winds her arms around my neck and leans in to kiss me. It's slow and ripe with promises and drives me mad. My hand strays to the edge of her dress. I fondle the hem for a few moments before slipping my fingers under the fabric to stroke her ankle. She doesn't stop me, so I slide my hand up her calf. Isabella hums in response and I think I might explode.
I lay her down on the seat, my hand pushing away fabric, creeping higher until I reach her knee. I ache to rip away her stockings and touch her unclothed skin.
"You have me bewitched, Isabella Black. You consume my every thought. I would give everything I own just to be with you."
"Oh, Edward. I feel the same. I thought I knew loneliness, but what I felt before was nothing compared to how empty I feel when I'm not with you."
I think she would allow me to take her here, on our bench, outside in the hot summer sun. Wild and unrestrained.
And I almost do, but the prickling sensation on the back of my neck stops me.
I jerk my head around to the entrance of our sanctuary. Caught up in my desire, I unwittingly let my guard down; the distant snapping of a twig is the last sound I hear from our apparent intruder. I briefly consider giving chase and silencing whoever saw us, but quickly dismiss the idea when Isabella speaks.
"Edward, what is it?"
"Nothing. I thought I heard something. Animal, most likely," I say, not wanting to alarm her.
"An animal? Are you sure?" Her voice holds a hint of concern.
"Yes, I'm certain. Still, I think it best we leave soon. Once again, I've behaved badly. I'm so sorry." She opens her mouth to protest, but I draw her into my arms.
If I was an honorable man, I would get down on my knee and ask her to marry me. Does she expect it? God knows I want to, but I can't. Not yet. Not until she knows.
So I just hold her tighter and we sit quietly until duty calls and Isabella has to leave.
I return home and plot how I'm going to tell her.
I've never been so indecisive—or afraid.
It's a brilliant, sunny day and I'm feeling uncharacteristically lazy. Settling down on a patch of grass in the back garden, I lie back, clasping my hands behind my head and stare up at the cloudless sky. As always, my mind wanders to Isabella and when I will see her again. I think back to the day of our first kiss, when I saw the outline of her legs through her dress. I think of how she let me touch her the other day on our bench. My thoughts turn carnal.
I've forgotten what it's like to have intercourse with a woman face-to-face. Since my change, I've only taken women from behind—and fully clothed. I preferred it that way. I didn't want to see their faces, I only wanted to feel their heat.
I think about how it would be to make love to Isabella. To have her underneath me, naked and inviting. I can't imagine a more beautiful sight than looking into her eyes as I push into her for the first time. Listening to the sounds she makes while I'm moving inside her. Reveling in the smell of our coupling. The taste of salt thick on my tongue as I lick the sweat from the valley between her breasts. Feeling her climax pulse around my own...
Groaning in frustration, I slide my hand down my body, reaching to unfasten my trousers. Before I manage to undo the first button, I hear movement coming from the forest path.
Jumping up, I listen carefully. It sounds like an animal, but the pace of its steps tells me it's not a wild beast.
Horse—and judging from the slight heaviness of its tread, bearing a burden.
Flaring my nostrils, I inhale and my eyes widen with surprise.
Isabella.
Here, at my home, unannounced, unexpected.
How did she find me? I never told her where I lived…
Mr. Elkins.
Cursing his helpfulness, I smooth out my attire and head out front to greet her.
The horse and trap carrying Isabella comes into sight around a bend in the path and I immediately see something is amiss.
Isabella looks distraught and I run to stop the horse.
"Isabella, what's wrong?"
"She's kicked me out, sacked me," she says, tossing the reins aside. I reach up and grab her waist, pulling her down into my arms, but she doesn't want to be held.
She's furious.
"That nasty woman! In front of the household staff, she accused me of whoring it up with 'that eccentric Cullen gentleman.' Said she had it on good authority I was allowing you to take liberties with me in the park. She told me she was very disappointed in me and she couldn't allow a woman with such a reputation to reside in her home. What would the guests think? What about the children?" She spits the last two sentences out in a dead-on impersonation of Mrs. Cope; if she weren't so upset, I would be inclined to laugh and praise her mimicry skills.
Truthfully, I'm thrilled she'll no longer be living there.
Now she can stay with me. Away from prying eyes and lecherous husbands.
"What am I going to do? Where am I going to stay? I don't have a lot of money and—"
I take her into my arms. "You'll stay with me, of course."
"But I can't pay you!"
"I don't want your money." I cup her chin and tilt her face up. "I only want you."
"Edward," she says, stroking my cheek, "I can't impose."
"It will only be temporary," I say, hoping to placate her independent streak. "Just until we—until you—figure out what you want to do."
She eyes me suspiciously before agreeing.
"As long as you put me to work while I'm here. Do you need a housekeeper?" She looks around the front garden. "And it looks as if you've neglected your garden. I can help fix it up."
"As fate would have it, the woman who helped take care of my house recently left my employ."
Fifty years ago…
"So I am in the market for someone." I flash a sly smile. "Do you come with references?"
She doesn't miss a beat. "Unfortunately there was a personality clash with my former employer. But I assure you, I am very qualified."
"Hmm, well I shall have to take your word." I step closer. "Are you thorough?"
Isabella closes the distance between us, our bodies close enough that I feel her warmth.
"Very."
I'm not sure which I find more arousing, how close she is to me or the sauciness of our words.
"I'm also in need of a model. Someone who will sit for my paintings, pose for me. Inspire me."
"Are you asking me to be your muse?"
"What if you already are?"
We've yet to touch each other. The restraint is adding to the delicious anticipation.
"I see. Aren't artists and their muses often lovers?"
"Sometimes."
"Are you in need of one of those as well?"
"Am I in need of what? A lover?" I finally touch her, snaking my hand around her waist and pulling her flush to me.
"Yes," she whispers.
"I am in need. Desperate need. And if you come closer, I'll tell you a secret."
She tilts her head to the side and I lean in to her ear.
"I think she knows."
She pushes her hips into mine and now it's her turn to whisper into my ear.
"I think she does, too."
Never in my life have I been so aroused. I wonder how I will ever stay in control when we finally consummate our relationship.
"Isabella," I groan, turning my head and capturing her mouth with mine. I kiss her deeply.
She claws at my arms, my waist, pushing, pulling.
My hands roam down her back, squeezing her backside.
We're quickly reaching the point of no return and as much as I want to fall with her to the ground and sink into her, we have other matters to attend to.
With strength I didn't know I possessed, I slowly pull away, panting and frustrated and hold her tightly until her racing heart evens out.
"We have to go into town. I'm not prepared for company, so I need to pick up a few items from the market before they close. Were you able to pack your things?"
"Yes, they're in the trap. But in my haste to leave, I forgot a few important items. I don't think Mrs. Cope will mind if I stop and retrieve them."
"I'll come with you and make sure she doesn't."
The full magnitude of her ordeal seems to catch up with her and her face looks forlorn.
"It will be alright, Isabella, I promise."
"I know. It's been a long day, that's all. Shall we go? If we hurry, Mrs. Cope might not be home yet and I'd like to get this over with."
I lift her back onto the seat of the trap before climbing up myself. She slides close to me and I tuck her under my arm. With a command to the horse, I turn the trap around and head back to town.
Isabella and I stop at the market and purchase a few groceries. On our way to the boarding house, I remember I need to stop by Mr. Elkins' shop to order art supplies. Isabella suggests going alone to the boarding house, assuring me the Copes won't be home at this time of day. I don't like the idea, but she insists it will save time.
I think she wants to avoid any possibility of more gossip, so I reluctantly give in and agree to meet her at the boarding house within the hour.
I quickly conclude my business with Mr. Elkins and hurry down the street.
The closer I get to the boarding house, the more anxious I become. My skin is prickly with anticipation, much like it is while I'm hunting.
I don't even bother to knock on the front door, grabbing the handle, alarmed to find it locked. Isabella told me she would leave it open for me, despite my protestations otherwise.
A quick twist of my wrist splinters the handle and I step into the hallway.
I hear a small cry and when I enter the parlor, I see Mr. Cope pressing Isabella against the wall, his filthy hands all over her, his mouth on her neck.
I want nothing more than to rush over and tear his throat open, but I think of Isabella and how it would affect her. Instead, I find my civilized voice.
"Take your hands off her!"
Mr. Cope jumps back, his face red and sweaty. I sense he is about to run, so I cross the room and prevent him from doing so.
Isabella runs to my arms and I hug her tightly for a few moments. There will be time for comfort later; right now I need to deal with the animal in front of me.
"Isabella, get your things. Meet me outside. I won't be long."
She doesn't move and when I glance over at her, she looks pale and frightened.
"It's alright, Isabella. Mr. Cope and I are just going to have a little chat." I smile at her, hoping to reassure her. She nods and hurries upstairs.
My attention turns to the man cowering before me. I grab his wrist and twist him around, pinning him to the wall, his arm bent awkwardly behind him. He winces in discomfort.
"What kind of man—a married man, no less—corners a defenseless young woman and tries to force himself on her against her will?"
"I didn't mean to…I was only having a bit of fun—" he stammers.
"Fun? I don't think I care for your idea of fun, Mr. Cope. And I daresay Mrs. Cope would agree."
I lean in to his neck. Adrenaline is causing his heart to pump faster, the blood in his arteries pushing hard against their walls, beating at the inside of his skin. My rage, coupled with the scent of his fear, is a dangerous combination. I feel the red haze creeping into my vision.
I want to rip him apart limb by limb. Slowly. Make him suffer.
Tell him what I am and what I'd do to him.
If Isabella wasn't upstairs, I would do just that.
He doesn't know how lucky he is. When I speak, my voice is low and menacing.
"If you so much as look at Isabella again, I will make things very unpleasant for you. Do you understand, Mr. Cope?"
"Yes." His breathing is labored. "I understand. Just please… please let me go."
"I want you to swear to God you will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Not a soul. I will find out if you do, and I will come back for you." I apply a little more pressure to his arm and he cries out in pain.
"Yes…yes, I swear!"
I release him and he stumbles down the hallway and into another room, slamming the door and locking it behind him.
I need to get Isabella out of here. Just as I turn to climb the stairs, she descends, carrying a few objects. Her color has returned but her hands are shaking. I take the items from her, one of which is a small framed photograph of a woman.
"My mother," she says, answering my unspoken question.
Nodding, I wrap my arm around her. "Are you sure you have everything? We won't be returning."
"I do. And I've never been more ready to move on."
She squeezes my arm and the way she smiles at me fills me with so much hope.
Hope that she can love me for who—and what—I am.
We arrive home at twilight. I show Isabella to her room and pace around my library while she settles in.
It's been a long day and I'm sure she's tired. I, of course, am not.
What I am is thirsty.
Parched.
I need to hunt. Soon.
Before I succumb to the most delectable nectar on earth.
I haven't heard a sound from her in twenty minutes, so I walk down the hall and stop outside her room.
Deep, even breaths.
Quietly opening the door, I peek in and find Isabella sprawled on the bed, still in her clothes, fast asleep.
Creeping in, I stand over her, listening to her heart, smelling her blood, admiring her beauty.
Wishing I could rouse her, help her undress and take her to bed.
She's finally here with me and I still can't be with her the way I want.
Not yet.
Temptation overwhelms me, so I back out, close the door and run.
Run into the hot night air, picking up a scent immediately.
Chase the deer, take it down, drink my fill.
Minutes later, lying on the forest floor, it comes to me.
One month…I'll tell her in one month's time.
On the autumnal equinox.
It's the beginning of Mehregan, the Persian Festival of Autumn. An ancient festival of sharing and love.
The day the ancient Persians believed God gave light to the world.
I can think of no better time to share my secrets and profess my love to the woman who gave me light.
Decision made, I make my way back home.
Back to Isabella.
The information on Mehregan was obtained through the internet, so I'm hoping it's accurate.
Thanks to everyone for reading, recc'ing, reviewing. It really does mean a lot to me! :-)
